What do we think of the UK?

me283 · 28-09-2005, 22:13

Bit of an open question really. I don't want to start any kind of arguments, with people getting into slanging matches etc. But the fact is that I've just returned from a trip abroad, one of several recently; and it kind of gives some perspective on things. Maybe I'm being wistful, or maybe I'm seeing things more clearly, who knows? But the more I travel, the less favourably I see this country.

So what I am asking is, what do other people think of the place? I'd like to know pros and cons, not just general moans. And I stress again that it's purely out of interest, I'm not looking to convert people away from a love of anything; if anything, I'm hoping people can remind me that it's not so bad after all!

So, am I alone in feeling despondent and disillusioned? And please, let's keep it civil

Russ · 28-09-2005, 22:18

So who wants to take guesses on how long it will take for someone to cite "political correctness" as one of the things they dislike about the UK

What do I like about it? The British way of life. I'm going to ignore the usual brigade who'll try to tell me that very little left is 'British' - we all know what I mean by ' the British way of life'

marky · 28-09-2005, 22:19

Well then, i am proud to be english, but more proud to be british, and quite happy to live here

punky · 28-09-2005, 22:30

I, like my family don't see ourselves prospering in this country. Everything is too expensive, taxes are too suffocating, and generally speaking everything is getting worse. Nothing in my life that the government is responsible for has got better, only worse. Crime & justice, health care, public transport etc. Oh course, the political correctness and the situation with Europe (with Europe becoming more and more the dominant ruling presence in our lives).

My parents spotted this years ago, and moved out and never looked back. I fully agree with them. I have to watch my family in the US lead a life I can only dream of. My younger brother earns less than me but lives like a king compared to me. I know where my bread is buttered.

Graham · 28-09-2005, 23:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ D

So who wants to take guesses on how long it will take for someone to cite "political correctness" as one of the things they dislike about the UK

Hmm, posted at 22:18, it's now 23:08, so I'd say 40 minutes.

"Political correctness is one of the things I dislike about the UK".

Quote:

What do I like about it? The British way of life. I'm going to ignore the usual brigade who'll try to tell me that very little left is 'British' - we all know what I mean by ' the British way of life'

No, I'm not even going to go there...!!!

Halcyon · 28-09-2005, 23:17

What I like about this country ?

The countryside and small villages, the english language, our emergency services that do a hell of tough job, English traditional food, and many more things but I cant think right now.

What I dont like about this country ?

Public transport which is a complete shambles, as is crime and the justice system in this country.
The high fees on University tuition, the amount of illegal people coming into the UK

me283 · 28-09-2005, 23:18

Yes, PC is something that does disillusion me. But there are many others that stand out on their own: fear of upsetting people, attitude towards our football team, attitude on the roads, the government, prices, taxes etc. Some of them would p*** me off even if I had never visited another country... others just make me realise how bad this country has become, or how good other countries are.

Before anyone jumps on my case, there are things that I like about the UK... the rugby, for a start. But these things are dwindling and being eroded, slowly but surely. I shall stick my neck out and say that I think the country is going down the pan.

NitroNutter · 28-09-2005, 23:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

I, like my family don't see ourselves prospering in this country. Everything is too expensive, taxes are too suffocating, and generally speaking everything is getting worse. Nothing in my life that the government is responsible for has got better, only worse. Crime & justice, health care, public transport etc. Oh course, the political correctness and the situation with Europe (with Europe becoming more and more the dominant ruling presence in our lives).

My parents spotted this years ago, and moved out and never looked back. I fully agree with them. I have to watch my family in the US lead a life I can only dream of. My younger brother earns less than me but lives like a king compared to me. I know where my bread is buttered.

Sorry but words fail me with you, especially on this particular line "taxes are too suffocating"

Yet when an old woman takes a stand against the oppressive tax regime here, you slap her down.

This is exactly what makes me wonder why anyone should want to live in the UK.

Millay · 28-09-2005, 23:29

I love this country, its interesting that when we go away the place looks lovelly and we think the way of life is better, but perhaps if we were brought up there we would think england is better.

I love the country especially where I live. My lifestyle is comfortable, the people are lovelly and the governemnt are doing a better job than a lot of other countries, so I pay a lot of tax, but i feel i get back what i put in..

/me goes off to sing rule brittania...

marky · 28-09-2005, 23:30

Quote:

me283

I don't want to start any kind of arguments, with people getting into slanging matches etc.

Ramrod · 28-09-2005, 23:30

Taxes are far worse in France, people are very friendly here (try eastern Block countries

).......on the whole the UK is an OK place to live........

**Damien** · 28-09-2005, 23:31

I think we are a country which has a very cynically population. I believe we have a tendency to express the same attitudes as me283 here. I also believe that they are unjustified but the fact that we are like this is a sign of how tolerant we are.

Other countries do not seem to take negative news as much as us. All countries have problems but over here they are more talked about. I dont know what country your talking about but i am sure they have problems.

A fear of upsetting people is not a bad thing. I would not like to live in a country where people are free to upset minorities with unjust cause. I think that in itself is a sign of an increasing fear and hatred sweeping the nation. Its important not to take notice of all these political correctness stories as it can make you mad often without good cause. This kind of suppressed anger and hatred will blow up one day if we are not careful. I do sense a feeling of fear and anger between minorities and the majority brewing under the radar.

I think we have a free media, a system to help those in need, the willingness to take in people from other places to let them start a new life. I think we have a shameful history but also a good policy towards helping others. Finally, I think we have a angry and scared population who are worried about the unknown in the future

punky · 28-09-2005, 23:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by NitroNutter

Sorry but words fail me with you, especially on this particular line "taxes are too suffocating"

Yet when an old woman takes a stand against the oppressive tax regime here, you slap her down

I never said I didn't agree with her stance. However, I must pay taxes, and so does she. If either of us deliberately don't pay tax, then we'll have to take what punishments we get. I wouldn't get off scott free, so why should this woman? Because she's old? Great, when I become an OAP, i'll never pay for anything again!

If you want to continue this further, then we should go back to the other thread.

sir_drinks_alot · 28-09-2005, 23:39

This Country's being Ruined my the EU and political correctness.

It use to be a great Country but now the two above things are just makeing it other part Of EU plc.

Millay · 28-09-2005, 23:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by sir_drinks_alot

This Country's being Ruined my the EU and political correctness.

It use to be a great Country but now the two above things are just makeing it other part Of EU plc.

You aught to try living where i do, i think all that has passed us by where im from...

I cant help but wonder if you were to ask the same cquestion uk wide then would it show its down to what part of the country we live in that decides how happy we are with the country as a whole... but thats another topic entirly...